Tuesday, September 22, 2009

By now, most local residents are aware that the Arctic Winter Games are coming to Grande Prairie, but how many of us REALLY know what the Games’ are all about?

Of course, Sport is a huge part of the Arctic Winter Games, with young athletes competing in dozens of Indoor and Outdoor Sports, including several Arctic Sports and Dene Games. But sport is just one component of this international celebration of sport and culture.

The Arctic Winter Games foster athletic competition, social interaction and cultural exchange for over 2,000 participants from across the circumpolar North. In addition to their athletes, each contingent also brings cultural representatives & programs to share the food, fashion, visual, performing and photographic arts from their communities.

As host to these unique Games, Grande Prairie will see this cultural exhibition and exchange first-hand, while also having the opportunity to share our Northern Alberta culture. The Games cultural program has many facets, including spectacular Opening & Closing Ceremonies.

Titled “A Hero’s Journey” the Opening & Closing ceremonies for the Games will link the teachings & traditions of the original people of the circumpolar world with the modern multicultural realities of today’s North. Ceremonies programs incorporate the philosophies of the modern ‘Virtues Project’ while keeping participants entertained through music, dancing, original character costumes, unique staging & multimedia elements.

We are currently seeking groups and individuals interested in performing during the Games Cultural Programs:- Performers will be needed for Opening & Closing Ceremonies or a series of lunch-time performances- Interested parties are asked to create a pieces that will WOW athletes & audiences- Submissions should be 3 ½ minutes for Opening & Closing Ceremonies, 10-15 minutes for lunch performances

Submission guidelines and Application forms can be downloaded from the Games website by clicking HERE.

All performance applications must be in by September 30, 2009, so get your submission in to the Games Office today and ensure you're a part of this International Celebration of Sport and Culture!